Desperate search for Brazilian mudslide victims

Euronews

Rescuers in Brazil are desperately trying to reach people unaccounted for after deadly landslides and heavy rain.

At least 95 people are confirmed dead in the disaster in Rio de Janeiro state, and hundreds more have been left homeless.

The country’s second city has been left virtually paralysed, with roads blocked and power cut.

The Governor of Rio de Janeiro state, Sergio Cabral, said: “This is a moment for us to reflect on something that I have always said: irregular and disorganised housing occupation is what has caused this type of situation in Rio de Janeiro for years.”

Questions have also been raised about possible damage to venues for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, but authorities insist there is no cause for concern.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said:
“Rio de Janeiro is prepared to host the Olympics and is prepared to host the World Cup with a lot of tranquility. It’s not because of one catastrophe that we will think that it’s going to happen every year, or all the time.”

The rainstorms that hit the city are being described as the heaviest for decades, triggering more than 180 mudslides. Authorities say the death toll is likely to rise.